“There is no embarrassment in doing all these other things because you have to adapt and use your skills in different ways to pay the bills. In fact, I see these different aspects of my work experience feeding off each other creatively.”
– Samantha Scott-Blackhall
I really enjoyed Volume 2 of “We Are Singaporeans” by Melanie Lee with its wonderfully selected list of Singaporeans and their unconventional work paths. Brief yet powerfully packed, each feature is intriguing and inspiring.
Melanie (full disclosure: she’s my JC classmate, woots) manages to bring out the voice of each featured personality so authentically that you feel like they are right there speaking to you. In plain unaffected prose, each person’s journey, intentions as well as aspirations come out so clearly. It does not portray their successes or ongoing work through rose-tinted lenses, but gives a realistic sense of the struggles, trade-offs and less-than-glamorous realities faced by those who have chosen the road less travelled.
I was especially touched by the humility and love of Kenneth and Addy of The Last Resort. Having met them before when they were panel speakers at a church camp, what they said in the feature was totally in keeping with how they have lived their lives, which continues to inspire many, including a young couple I know who have started opening their new home to various young mothers or elderly women in need.
The gorgeous book cover as well as the collage-style illustrations for each feature give further depth of insight into each personality’s growing up years.
Although intended for the young, it is indeed a good read for all, not least those who retain a lifelong curiosity to learn from the journeys of others, especially from those who aim to make a difference with their lives. With such intrepid Singaporeans in our midst, may many be inspired to eke out our own paths as well, and contribute to increasing the strength and diversity of our nation state.
9/10 ⭐️
Thanks @MarshallCavendish for sending this book over for review!
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